US11977355B2 - Spring for a notching system and timepiece notching system - Google Patents
Spring for a notching system and timepiece notching system Download PDFInfo
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- US11977355B2 US11977355B2 US17/558,563 US202117558563A US11977355B2 US 11977355 B2 US11977355 B2 US 11977355B2 US 202117558563 A US202117558563 A US 202117558563A US 11977355 B2 US11977355 B2 US 11977355B2
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Images
Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
- G04B19/00—Indicating the time by visual means
- G04B19/22—Arrangements for indicating different local apparent times; Universal time pieces
- G04B19/223—Arrangements for indicating different local apparent times; Universal time pieces with rotary disc, rotary bezel, or rotary dial
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
- G04B1/00—Driving mechanisms
- G04B1/10—Driving mechanisms with mainspring
- G04B1/14—Mainsprings; Bridles therefor
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
- G04B13/00—Gearwork
- G04B13/02—Wheels; Pinions; Spindles; Pivots
- G04B13/021—Wheels; Pinions; Spindles; Pivots elastic fitting with a spindle, axis or shaft
- G04B13/023—Wheels; Pinions; Spindles; Pivots elastic fitting with a spindle, axis or shaft allowing rotational slipping when a threshold torque is exceeded
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
- G04B13/00—Gearwork
- G04B13/02—Wheels; Pinions; Spindles; Pivots
- G04B13/025—Wheels; Pinions; Spindles; Pivots with elastic means between the toothing and the hub of a toothed wheel
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
- G04B19/00—Indicating the time by visual means
- G04B19/22—Arrangements for indicating different local apparent times; Universal time pieces
- G04B19/221—Arrangements for indicating different local apparent times; Universal time pieces mechanisms for correcting the hours hand only, i.e. independently for minutes and seconds hands
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
- G04B19/00—Indicating the time by visual means
- G04B19/22—Arrangements for indicating different local apparent times; Universal time pieces
- G04B19/223—Arrangements for indicating different local apparent times; Universal time pieces with rotary disc, rotary bezel, or rotary dial
- G04B19/225—Arrangements for indicating different local apparent times; Universal time pieces with rotary disc, rotary bezel, or rotary dial driving mechanism for the bezel
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
- G04B19/00—Indicating the time by visual means
- G04B19/28—Adjustable guide marks or pointers for indicating determined points of time
- G04B19/283—Adjustable guide marks or pointers for indicating determined points of time on rotatable rings, i.e. bezel
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
- G04B37/00—Cases
- G04B37/0008—Cases for pocket watches and wrist watches
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
- G04B37/00—Cases
- G04B37/0008—Cases for pocket watches and wrist watches
- G04B37/0033—Cases for pocket watches and wrist watches with cover or bottom which can slide or turn (without a spring action)
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
- G04B11/00—Click devices; Stop clicks; Clutches
- G04B11/001—Clutch mechanism between two rotating members with transfer of movement in both directions, possibly with limitation on the transfer of power
- G04B11/003—Clutch mechanism between two rotating members with transfer of movement in both directions, possibly with limitation on the transfer of power with friction member, e.g. with spring action
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
- G04B11/00—Click devices; Stop clicks; Clutches
- G04B11/006—Clutch mechanism between two rotating members with transfer of movement in only one direction (free running devices)
- G04B11/008—Clutch mechanism between two rotating members with transfer of movement in only one direction (free running devices) with friction members, e.g. click springs or jumper
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
- G04B11/00—Click devices; Stop clicks; Clutches
- G04B11/02—Devices allowing the motion of a rotatable part in only one direction
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
- G04B3/00—Normal winding of clockworks by hand or mechanically; Winding up several mainsprings or driving weights simultaneously
- G04B3/08—Normal winding of clockworks by hand or mechanically; Winding up several mainsprings or driving weights simultaneously by parts of the cases
Definitions
- the invention relates to a spring for a notching system.
- the invention also relates to a notching system comprising such a spring.
- the invention also relates to a timepiece case or a timepiece movement comprising such a spring or such a notching system.
- the invention also relates to a timepiece comprising such a case or such a movement or such a notching system or such a spring.
- the document EP2624076 discloses a unidirectional rotary bezel, the angular indexing of which is implemented via a single first notching element in the form of a jumper returned by a return spring against a contrate toothset in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of said bezel. That spring is in that case in the form of a helical spring.
- the document EP0686897 discloses a bidirectional rotary bezel, the angular indexing of which is implemented by a wire spring in the form of a single elastic arm.
- the latter is articulated at a first end to the annular seat of a case middle, while its free end forms a single first notching element provided to cooperate with an interior toothset formed on the bezel.
- the angular indexing of the bezel is thus brought about by a single first notching element formed on the spring.
- the wire spring described in the document EP0686897 has the particular feature of being designed so as to bring about substantially equal rotational torques irrespective of the direction of rotation of the bezel. To that end, said wire spring has in particular a concave or substantially concave shape when seen from the axis of rotation of the bezel.
- the device described in the document EP1431845 further proposes improving such a bidirectional notched rotary bezel by ensuring that the forces are balanced with respect to the axis of rotation of said bezel, this contributing to the pleasant sensation felt when manipulating it.
- that device employs a spring in the form of a closed loop centered on the axis of rotation of the bezel.
- the spring comprises elastic arms that are each provided with a first notching element provided to cooperate with second notching means of a notching ring.
- That spring comprises first connecting means shaped and disposed on each of the first notching means such that the latter can move radially relative to the axis of rotation of the bezel and thus cooperate with the second notching means.
- the document EP3543800 likewise discloses a spring in the form of a closed loop that participates in a notching system for a uni- or bidirectional rotary bezel.
- That spring has the particular feature of comprising elastic arms, each connected together at their longitudinal ends by first connecting means that are in the form of indentations.
- each elastic arm comprises a first notching element disposed equidistantly from two indentations, which is designed so as to cooperate with second notching means of a notching ring.
- the first and second notching means are specifically in the form of teeth here.
- the spring is fitted to the bezel at its indentations, the latter cooperating with lugs disposed on said bezel.
- the arms of the spring are made to deform elastically with regard to these fitting connections. More particularly, these arms are made to deform elastically in a simultaneous and synchronized manner.
- the teeth of each of the elastic arms cooperate in a coordinated manner with the teeth of the notching ring. More particularly, in a first indexing configuration of the bezel, the teeth of the elastic arms are all situated between two teeth of the notching ring. In a second bezel configuration, the teeth of the elastic arms are all situated on the tops of the teeth of the notching ring. Nevertheless, the elastic deformation of a given elastic arm is independent of the deformation of the elastic arms that adjoin it, this being defined only by the design, in particular the section, of said arm.
- each elastic arm has, at rest, an annular shape.
- each elastic arm is, at rest, in the form of a portion of a circle centered on the axis of rotation of the bezel.
- each arm has a concave shape as seen from the axis of rotation of the bezel.
- the document EP3608730 discloses a rotary bezel comprising a notching system employing a spring such as the one described in the document EP3543800. That notching system is designed such that the arms of the spring do not deform simultaneously. To that end, the spring and the notching ring are arranged and designed such that only one tooth of a given elastic arm is situated at the root of the toothset of the notching ring. There, too, the elastic deformation of a given elastic arm is independent of the deformation of the elastic arms that adjoin it. Such an embodiment makes it possible to maximize the number of notches of the bezel. Nevertheless, that involves minimizing the size of the teeth of the notching ring, and this can entail a risk of premature wearing of the notching system.
- EP1544691 discloses a notching mobile comprising a closed-loop spring, formed of two symmetric arms, and a notching ring, which are each centered on said mobile.
- Two first notching means of the spring cooperate with second notching means formed on the notching ring.
- first connection means of the spring (on a wheel of the mobile) are arranged at the two first notching means, such that the latter can move in translation with regard to the second notching means, and so the arms of the spring can deform elastically.
- the document EP3379342 presents a notching system, the structure of which is equivalent to that of the device in the document EP1544691, with a spring that has the specific feature of being made from an amorphous metal alloy.
- the first connection means of the spring (on a wheel of the mobile) are likewise arranged at the two first notching means of the spring.
- the document CH454375 discloses a notching mobile, the closed-loop spring of which comprises a first notching element in the form of a tooth provided to cooperate with a notching ring.
- That spring has the particular feature of being fixed to a wheel of the mobile at a bore formed in said spring, that bore being disposed at a different location than the tooth of said spring. More particularly, the bore and the tooth of the spring are disposed on either side of the axis of the mobile.
- That spring has, at rest, an annular shape. It therefore has a concave shape as seen from the axis of rotation of the mobile, and which is centered on the axis of rotation of the mobile.
- the spring When the tooth of the spring passes over a tooth of the notching ring, the spring is made to bend, causing the spring to pass from an annular shape to a substantially elliptical shape. The radius of curvature of the spring at or in the region of the tooth is therefore reduced.
- the aim of the invention is to provide a notching spring and a notching system that make it possible to improve the notching springs and notching systems known from the prior art.
- the invention proposes a particularly compact spring and a particularly reliable notching system, which make it possible to obtain a varied and large number of notches.
- a subject may comprise any combination of features in the first, second, third and fourth aspects.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of a timepiece.
- FIG. 2 is a view of a spring and of a first member according to the first embodiment.
- FIG. 3 is a detail view of the spring according to the first embodiment.
- FIGS. 4 and 5 are views defining the geometry of the spring according to the first embodiment.
- FIG. 6 is a view defining the first member according to the first embodiment.
- FIGS. 7 to 9 are partial views illustrating an operating sequence of the timepiece according to the first embodiment.
- FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of a timepiece.
- FIG. 11 is a view of a spring and of a first member according to the second embodiment.
- FIG. 12 is a detail view of the spring according to the second embodiment.
- FIGS. 13 and 14 are views defining the geometry of the spring according to the second embodiment.
- FIG. 15 is a view defining the first member according to the second embodiment.
- FIGS. 16 to 18 are partial views illustrating an operating sequence of the timepiece according to the second embodiment.
- FIG. 19 is a schematic view of a third embodiment of a timepiece.
- FIG. 20 is a view of a spring according to the third embodiment.
- FIG. 21 is a partial view of a fourth embodiment of a timepiece.
- FIG. 22 is a detail view of a spring according to the fourth embodiment.
- FIG. 23 is a partial view of a fifth embodiment of a timepiece.
- FIG. 24 is a detail view of a spring according to the fifth embodiment.
- a first embodiment of a timepiece 200 is described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9 .
- the timepiece 200 is for example a watch, in particular a wristwatch.
- the timepiece 200 comprises a timepiece movement intended to be mounted in a timepiece casing or case 10 in order to protect it from the external environment.
- the timepiece movement may be an electronic movement or a mechanical movement, in particular an automatic movement.
- the timepiece 200 in particular the timepiece case 10 comprises a timepiece device 110 .
- the timepiece device may be an exterior device such as a rotary bezel or a rotary flange or an orientable back or an orientable crown.
- the timepiece device may be a device of the movement, in particular a device for adjusting a device for displaying time information, typically a display device for a time zone or a display device for a programmable display, which makes it possible to move a display member through an angular pitch predefined by way of such a notching system.
- the timepiece 200 in particular the timepiece case 10 or the timepiece device 110 , comprises a notching system 100 .
- the notching system 100 comprises:
- the first member 2 is a case middle of the timepiece case or an element secured to a case middle of the timepiece case. More particularly, the first member 2 may be a ring 2 attached to a case middle 4 of the timepiece case. The ring 2 may be fixed to an annular seat of the case middle 4 .
- the first member may have an annular shape.
- the second member may have an annular shape.
- the second member 3 is a rotary bezel, which is able to turn relative to the case middle 4 and therefore relative to the first member 2 .
- the spring 1 is mechanically connected to the second member 3 .
- the spring 1 comprises an axis A 1 .
- This axis A 1 is an axis of symmetry of the spring 1 or of the second member 3 , or an axis of rotation of the spring 1 or of the second member 3 relative to the first member 2 .
- the second member 3 is mounted in a pivot connection relative to the first member 2 about the axis A 1 .
- the first member 2 comprises an axis A 2 .
- This axis A 2 is an axis of symmetry of the first member 2 .
- the axes A 1 and A 2 are coincident or substantially coincident.
- the notching system makes it possible to define notches or indexed positions in the movement of the second member relative to the first member.
- the spring 1 comprises first notching elements, in particular first notching teeth 11 a , 12 a , 13 a , 14 a , 15 a , 16 a , 17 a , 18 a and the first member 2 comprises second notching elements, in particular second notching teeth 22 a , 22 b , 22 c , 22 d , 22 e , 22 f.
- the spring 1 and the first member 2 are arranged so as to act on one another in order to define the different notches or indexed positions or indexing positions.
- the first toothset is arranged so as to act on the second toothset in order to define the different notches or indexed positions or indexing positions of the notching system.
- the first toothset comprises n teeth
- the second toothset comprises m teeth
- the spring 1 comprises:
- the arms 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 when one of the arms 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 is not loaded, it has a convex shape when it is seen from the top of its notching element or the top of its first notching tooth 11 a , 12 a , 13 a , 14 a , 15 a , 16 a , 17 a , 18 a.
- one of these arms has a convex shape, as seen from the top of the notching element or the top of the first notching tooth of said arm, when said arm is not loaded.
- said arm is convex as seen from the axis A 1 or the axis A 2 , if the spring is disposed around or on the outside of the first member 2 .
- the spring comprises n arms, where n ⁇ 2.
- n 8 arms 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , each comprising first notching elements, in particular first notching teeth 11 a , 12 a , 13 a , 14 a , 15 a , 16 a , 17 a , 18 a.
- first notching teeth extend at an angle ⁇ 12 about the axis A 1 . These first notching teeth are furthermore spaced apart by an angle ⁇ 11 about the axis A 1 . These first notching teeth are preferably disposed periodically with an angle ⁇ 11 + ⁇ 12 about the axis.
- the at least two elastic arms of the spring form a clamp intended to act on the first member 2 .
- the at least two elastic arms on account of their design and their arrangement, preferably exert a force counter to the first member 2 .
- This is made possible in particular by the first and second connection elements, which make it possible in particular to adequately pretension the spring 1 against the first member 2 .
- the notching system 100 is bidirectional. It thus makes it possible to employ a second “notched” member 3 that is mounted in a pivotable manner on the first member 2 , specifically in both directions of rotation.
- the spring is in the form of a closed loop.
- the spring is in the form of a closed loop centered on the axis A 1 .
- the different arms are advantageously connected mechanically to one another by their ends. More precisely, each given arm of the spring is connected at each of its ends to one end of a neighboring or adjacent arm of the given arm.
- the spring 1 comprises at least one first pivot connection element 1 b between the at least two elastic arms 11 , 12 .
- the first pivot connection elements 1 b are preferably each situated or positioned between two adjacent or consecutive or neighboring elastic arms.
- the spring 1 comprises as many first pivot connection elements 1 a , 1 b , 1 c , 1 d , 1 e , 1 f , 1 g , 1 h as arms 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , a first pivot connection element being disposed at each end of each of the arms.
- one and the same first pivot connection element is disposed at the two ends of two neighboring or adjacent arms.
- the first pivot connection elements are disposed on one and the same circle C 1 centered on the axis A 1 .
- the radius of this circle C 1 will be referred to as the outside radius of the spring or the radius of the spring.
- the first pivot connection elements are bores with axes parallel to the axes A 1 and A 2 .
- the axes of these bores are disposed on the circle C 1 .
- the segments connecting the axes of the first pivot connection elements of the spring form a polygon, in particular a regular polygon.
- the spring has substantially a polygonal shape, in particular a regular polygon shape. This is all the more apparent when the spring is not loaded or pretensioned, in other words when it is removed from the notching system (the elastic arms then all having one and the same radius of curvature).
- the segments connecting the axes of the first pivot connection elements of the spring form an octagon O.
- the spring has a substantially octagonal shape.
- the spring when the spring is not loaded or pretensioned, the spring has substantially a star shape on account of the convex shape of each of the arms of the spring.
- the spring preferably exhibits n-fold symmetry of revolution.
- the second member 3 comprises at least one second pivot connection element 3 b intended to cooperate with the at least one first pivot connection element 1 b in order to create the at least one pivot connection between the spring 1 and the second member 3 about an axis parallel to the axis A 1 or A 2 .
- the second member 3 comprises as many second pivot connection elements 3 a , 3 b , 3 c , 3 d , 3 e , 3 f , 3 g , 3 h as the spring 1 comprises first pivot connection elements 1 a , 1 b , 1 c , 1 d , 1 e , 1 f , 1 g , 1 h .
- the second pivot connection elements are pins or pegs or protrusions parallel to the axes A 1 and A 2 .
- each elastic arm constitutes a beam that is held on and articulated to the second member at each of its ends.
- the first and second connection elements make it possible in particular to adequately pretension the spring 1 against the first member 2 while constituting pivot connections of the spring 1 relative to the second member 3 .
- the elastic arms when they are not loaded, are in the form of circular arcs C 11 , the centers A 11 of which are situated preferably on one and the same first circle C 10 centered on the axis A 1 (i.e. coaxial with the spring) and having a non-zero radius, in particular having a radius greater than 1.5 times the radius of the circle C 1 defined above (i.e. the radius of the spring), or greater than 1.8 times the radius of the circle C 1 (i.e. the radius of the spring), or greater than 2 times the radius of the circle C 1 (i.e. the radius of the spring).
- the first circle C 10 has a radius equal to 2.3 times the radius of the circle C 1 or 2.3 times the radius of the spring.
- FIG. 4 illustrates an arm 11 of the spring 1 , the central part of which conforms to a portion of a circle C 11 , the center A 11 of which is situated outside the spring 1 , in particular outside the circle C 1 .
- the notching system in particular the spring, is designed such that the radius of curvature of any one of the arms of the spring increases, or is reversed, when this arm is loaded by the action of the first member 2 , in particular by the action of a second notching element.
- a deformation of the arms 14 and 18 is shown in FIG. 2 .
- the radius of curvature of each of the arms 13 , 15 and 11 , 17 which adjoin the arms 14 and 18 , respectively, is smaller than that of the arms 14 and 18 .
- the spring 1 comprises first notching elements 11 a , 12 a , which can take the form of first notching teeth or of protrusions, forming the first notching toothset.
- These teeth or protrusions can be oriented toward the inside of the spring or toward the axis A 1 of the spring.
- These teeth or protrusions have for example sections with shapes that are substantially trapezoidal in a plane perpendicular to the axes A 1 and A 2 .
- these protrusions may be constituted by abrupt and localized changes in the direction of the arms, without the sections of the arms otherwise changing significantly in these zones.
- the second member 2 comprises second notching elements 22 a , 22 b , such as second notching teeth or protrusions, forming the second notching toothset.
- These second teeth or protrusions have for example sections with shapes that are substantially trapezoidal in a plane perpendicular to the axes A 1 and A 2 , and comprise in particular a domed external profile.
- each of the first notching elements 11 a , 12 a is disposed at the midway point of each of the elastic arms of the spring, that is to say substantially equidistantly from the pivoting elements. More particularly, the first notching element 11 a is disposed equidistantly from the first pivoting elements 1 a and 1 b . More particularly, the first notching element 12 a is disposed equidistantly from the first pivoting elements 1 b and 1 c.
- the first member 2 comprises m second notching elements. Preferably, n ⁇ m.
- n m.
- the first member 2 comprises 6 second notching elements 22 a , 22 b , 22 c , 22 d , 22 e , 22 f.
- the notching system generates 24 notches or indexed positions for a complete turn of the second member 3 relative to the first member 2 .
- the second notching elements each extend angularly at an angle ⁇ 22 about the axis A 2 .
- the second notching elements are distributed regularly about the axis A 2 .
- Two adjacent or consecutive or neighboring second notching elements are separated by a recess or a first portion 21 a , 21 b , 21 c , 21 d , 21 e , 21 f .
- Each portion 21 extends angularly at an angle ⁇ 21 about the axis A 2 .
- the portions 21 a to 21 f are portions of a cylinder of axis A 2 having a radius r 1 .
- the second notching elements may be in the form of lobes 22 a to 22 f protruding from the portions 21 a to 21 f .
- the second notching elements may thus extend from the first radius r 1 to a second radius r 2 so as to form obstacles to the first notching elements of the spring 1 .
- the ratio r 2 /r 1 is involved in particular in the notching sensation. In this particular example, this ratio is for example around 1.04.
- the values ⁇ 11 , ⁇ 12 and ⁇ 21 , ⁇ 22 make it possible in particular to define the notching frequency of the notching system. In particular, they make it possible to define the number of notches of the notching system.
- the number of notches p, for identical angles ⁇ 12 and ⁇ 22 on the spring 1 and on the first member 2 , respectively, may in particular be defined by the following relationship:
- the angular extent ⁇ 21 may be strictly greater than the angular extent ⁇ 22 , or greater than or equal to 1.5 ⁇ 22 .
- the first notching elements exhibit axial symmetry with respect to a straight line D 1 passing through the axis A 1 of the spring in a plane P 1 passing through the spring (i.e. perpendicular to the axis A 1 ), as shown in FIG. 3 .
- the second notching elements exhibit axial symmetry with respect to a straight line D 2 passing through the axis A 2 in a plane P 2 passing through the first member (i.e. perpendicular to the axis A 2 ), as shown in FIG. 6 .
- the first member exhibits m-fold symmetry of revolution.
- the notching system in particular the first and second notching elements are arranged such that, at a given time, in particular at any time, a given first notching element exerts a first mechanical action on a given second notching element in a first area of contact and a first notching element other than the given first notching element exerts a second mechanical action on a second notching element other than the given second notching element in a second area of contact, the first and second mechanical actions having different intensities and/or different directions.
- a first notching element different than the two first notching elements, exerts a third mechanical action on a portion 21 a to 21 f of the first member 2 .
- the notching system in particular the first and second notching elements are arranged such that an indexed position of the second member relative to the first member is defined by the first mechanical action and by the second mechanical action, the first and second mechanical actions bringing about opposing torques for driving the second member 3 relative to the first member 2 .
- the at least two elastic arms of the spring 1 have the particular feature of moving about their articulation or their common pivot connection and of deforming elastically relative to their common articulation or their pivot connection under actuation of the first member 2 , in particular under the effect of the second notching elements.
- the arms 11 and 12 oscillate and deform relative to the articulation or to the pivot connection formed by the first and second connection elements 1 b and 3 b.
- the first notching element does not move out of the circle C 1 passing through the first connection means of the spring 1 .
- FIGS. 7 to 9 illustrate different configurations of the spring 1 with regard to the first member 2 , in order to show the way in which a notching of the system 100 is generated.
- the second member 3 to which the spring 1 is articulated, is not shown in these figures.
- FIG. 7 illustrates a part of the system in a first configuration, in which a first notching element 11 a of the spring 1 is in angular abutment against a second notching element 22 a of the first member 2 in a first direction of rotation of the second member 3 , indicated by the bold arrow, while this same first notching element 11 a bears radially against a first portion 21 a of the first member 2 .
- This is a first stable angular configuration of the second member 3 (not shown) with respect to the first member 2 .
- This first configuration is achieved following pivoting of the second member 3 in the first direction of rotation, and according to a threshold rotational torque of the second member 3 .
- the arm 11 has a convex shape as seen from the axis A 1 of the spring 1 or the axis A 2 of the first member 2 .
- the first notching element 18 a of the arm 18 connected to the arm 11 at an articulation 1 a , 3 a , for its part bears radially against the top of the second notching element 22 f , i.e. against the second notching element 22 f at the radius r 2 in a median zone of the second notching element 22 f passing through a straight line D 2 .
- the arm 18 has a rectilinear or substantially rectilinear shape.
- the first notching element 12 a of the arm 12 connected to the arm 11 at an articulation 1 b , 3 b , for its part bears radially against a first portion 21 b .
- the arm 12 has a convex shape as seen from the axis A 1 of the spring 1 or the axis A 2 of the first member 2 .
- the crossing of the second notching element 22 a by the first notching element 11 a requires an increase in the rotational torque of the second member 3 relative to the first member 2 so as to achieve a rotational torque of the second member 3 that is higher than the threshold torque for driving the second member 3 .
- the respective articulations 1 a , 3 a and 1 b , 3 b allow the arm 11 to deform optimally while minimizing the stresses in it.
- This increase in the torque brought about at least partially by the cooperation of the elements 11 a and 22 a characterizes the start of the notching. This increase can be more or less abrupt or linear depending on the geometry of the first notching elements and the second notching elements.
- FIG. 8 illustrates a part of the system in a second configuration, in which the first notching element 11 a bears radially against the second notching element 22 a , upstream of the top of the second notching element 22 a , after having partially crossed said second notching element following rotation of the second member in the first direction of rotation.
- the arm 11 has a rectilinear or substantially rectilinear shape.
- the first notching element 12 a of the arm 12 remains bearing radially against the first portion 21 b , and the arm 12 therefore maintains a convex shape as seen from the axis A 1 of the spring 1 or the axis A 2 of the first member 2 .
- the first notching element 18 a of the arm 18 remains bearing radially against the second notching element 22 f , and the arm 18 therefore maintains a rectilinear or substantially rectilinear shape. Nevertheless, in this second configuration, the first notching element 18 a has crossed the top of the second notching element 22 f and the arm 18 is thus ready to restore the elastic potential energy it has accumulated by virtue of its elastic deformation.
- the second member 3 can thus be driven in rotation in the first direction of rotation under the effect of a torque that is below the threshold torque.
- This decrease in the torque brought about at least partially by the cooperation of the elements 18 a and 22 f characterizes the end of the notching.
- This decrease can be more or less abrupt or linear depending on the geometry of the first notching elements and the second notching elements.
- FIG. 9 illustrates a part of the system after the end of the notching.
- the first notching element 18 a bears radially against the portion 21 a of the first member, after having crossed the second notching element 22 f , while the first notching element 11 a is situated at the top of the second notching element 22 a .
- the first notching element 12 a is in angular abutment against a second notching element 22 b of the first member 2 , while this same first notching element 12 a bears radially against a first portion 21 b of the first member 2 .
- This third configuration is equivalent to the first configuration in that crossing of the second notching element 22 b by the first notching element 12 a at least partially initiates the start of a second notch, following the above-described first notch. The end of this second notch would then be characterized at least partially by the passage of the first notching element 11 a from the second notching element 22 a to the portion 21 b.
- a given notch is not exclusively defined by a given first notching element cooperating with a given second notching element or by first notching means cooperating simultaneously and in a synchronized manner with different second notching means.
- a notch may be defined by the conjunction:
- a first notching element 11 a may bear radially against a second notching element 22 a upstream of the top of the second notching element 22 a
- another first notching element 18 a may bear radially against a second notching element 22 f downstream of the top of the second notching element 22 f
- yet another first notching element 12 a may bear against a portion 21 b .
- the first notching elements of the spring therefore do not all work simultaneously and in a synchronized manner with the second notching elements in that the first notching elements of the spring are not all disposed in the same way with regard to the second notching elements of the first member 2 , in a given configuration of the notching system. This brings about several mechanical actions exerted by the spring, in particular by the first notching elements, on the first member, which have:
- the start of a notch can be defined by more than one first cooperation between a given first notching element and a given second notching element.
- the first notching element 15 a is disposed in angular abutment with respect to the second notching element 22 d in the same way as the first notching element 11 a is disposed with respect to the second notching element 22 a .
- FIG. 2 shows the notching system in the abovementioned first configuration.
- the start of the notching is determined more particularly by the simultaneous and synchronized cooperations between the elements 11 a and 22 a , and 15 a and 22 d , respectively. Furthermore, the end of the notch is determined by the simultaneous and synchronized cooperations between the elements 18 a and 22 f , and 14 a and 22 c , respectively.
- the notching system is bidirectional, meaning that it is possible to define a notch in a first direction of rotation of the second member 3 , as described above, but that it is also possible to define a notch in a second direction of rotation of the second member 3 by virtue of the same elements or of equivalent elements of the notching system.
- a second embodiment of a timepiece 200 ′ is described below with reference to FIGS. 10 to 18 .
- the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment only by the features that are described below.
- references of elements of the second embodiment are derived from those of elements of the first embodiment (having identical or substantially identical structures and/or identical or substantially identical functions) by the addition of an apostrophe “‘”.
- the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the notching system 100 ’ is unidirectional. It thus makes it possible to employ a second “notched” member 3 ′ that is pivoted about the first member 2 ′, specifically in only one direction of rotation.
- the notching system generates 120 notches or indexed positions for a complete turn of the second member 3 ′ relative to the first member 2 ′.
- the first member 2 ′ in this case comprises 15 second notching elements 22 a ′, 22 b ′, 22 c ′, 22 d ′, 22 e ′, 22 f ′, 22 g ′, 22 h ′, 22 i ′, 22 j ′, 22 k ′, 22 l ′, 22 m ′, 22 n ′, 22 o ′.
- the spring 1 ′ in this case comprises eight arms 11 ′, 12 ′, 13 ′, 14 ′, 15 ′, 16 ′, 17 ′, 18 ′, each comprising first notching elements, in particular first notching teeth 11 a ′, 12 a ′, 13 a ′, 14 a ′, 15 a ′, 16 a ′, 17 a ′, 18 a′.
- the notching system 100 ′ has the particular feature of comprising first angular stop elements and second angular stop means for avoiding any unintentional rotation of the second member 3 ′ relative to the first member 2 ′.
- first and second stop elements cooperate by obstacle so as to prevent the rotation of the second member 3 ′ relative to the first member 2 ′ in a given direction of rotation.
- the first notching elements therefore have the particular feature of being asymmetric. More particularly, there is no straight line passing in a plane P 1 ′ of the spring and passing through the axis A 1 ′ of the spring with which a first notching element exhibits axial symmetry.
- the second notching elements likewise have the particular feature of being asymmetric. More particularly, there is no straight line passing in the plane P 2 ′ of the first member and passing through the axis A 2 ′ of the first member with which a second notching element 22 ′ exhibits axial symmetry.
- each elastic arm 11 ′, 12 ′, 13 ′, 14 ′, 15 ′, 16 ′, 17 ′, 18 ′ comprises a first abutment force reacting element 11 b ′, 12 b ′, 13 b ′, 14 b ′, 15 b ′, 16 b ′, 17 b ′, 18 b ′, the first abutment force reacting element being disposed for example at the midway point of each elastic arm.
- This abutment force reacting element is provided to cooperate with a stop surface 31 b ′, 32 b ′, 33 b ′, 34 b ′, 35 b ′, 36 b ′, 37 b ′, 38 b ′ when the first and second stop elements cooperate by obstacle to prevent the rotation of the second member 3 ′ relative to the first member 2 ′ in a given direction of rotation.
- the first notching elements are provided on a face of the spring 1 ′, in particular an internal face of the spring 1 ′, and the first abutment force reacting elements are provided on another face of the spring 1 ′, in particular an opposite face of the spring 1 ′, in particular an external face of the spring 1 ′.
- the notching system 100 ′ is unidirectional.
- the second member 3 ′ is therefore mounted so as to pivot in only one direction of rotation with respect to the first member 2 ′ and therefore with respect to the case middle 4 ′.
- This direction of rotation corresponds to the direction of rotation indicated by the dashed arrows in FIGS. 16 to 18 .
- pivot connections between the spring 1 ′ and the second member 3 ′ are realized in this case by indentations 1 a ′ to 1 h ′ (acting as first pivot connection elements) provided on the spring 1 ′ in order to cooperate with protuberances 3 a ′ to 3 h ′ (acting as second pivot connection elements) provided on the second member 3 ′.
- indentations 1 a ′ to 1 h ′ acting as first pivot connection elements
- protuberances 3 a ′ to 3 h ′ acting as second pivot connection elements
- the first and second connection elements make it possible in particular to adequately pretension the spring 1 ′ against the first member 2 ′ while constituting pivot connections of the spring 1 ′ relative to the second member 3 ′, in particular pivot connections connecting two successive elastic arms.
- the second member 2 ′ likewise comprises fifteen first annular portions 21 a ′ to 21 o ′ disposed on a first radius r 1 of the first member 2 ′.
- the second notching elements 22 a ′ to 22 o ′ for their part comprise tops disposed on a second radius r 2 of the first member 2 ′, as illustrated in FIG. 15 .
- the ratio r 2 /r 1 is involved in particular in the notching sensation. In this particular example, this ratio is around 1.02.
- the angular extent ⁇ 21 ′ of a first portion 21 ′, measured from the axis A 2 ′ of the first member 2 ′, is in this case around 3 times the angular extent ⁇ 22 ′ of a second notching element 22 ′, measured from the same axis A 2 ′.
- the values ⁇ 21 ′ and ⁇ 22 ′ make it possible in particular to define the notching frequency.
- FIGS. 16 to 18 illustrate different configurations of the spring 1 ′ with regard to the first member 2 ′, in order to show the way in which a notching of the device 100 ′ is generated.
- the second member 3 ′, to which the spring 1 ′ is articulated, is not shown in these figures.
- FIG. 16 illustrates a part of the notching system in a first configuration, in which a first notching element 11 a ′ of the spring 1 ′ is in angular abutment against a second notching element 22 a ′ of the first member 2 ′ in the direction of rotation of the second member 3 ′, indicated by the dashed arrow, while this same first notching element 11 a ′ bears radially against a first portion 21 b ′ of the first member 2 ′.
- This first configuration is achieved following pivoting of the second member 3 ′ in its given direction of rotation, and according to a threshold rotational torque of the second member 3 ′.
- the arm 11 ′ has a convex shape as seen from the axis A 1 ′ of the spring 1 ′ or the axis A 2 ′ of the first member 2 ′.
- a first notching element 12 a ′ of an arm 12 ′ connected to the arm 11 ′ by a first articulation 1 b ′, 3 b ′, for its part bears radially against the top of the second notching element 22 c ′, i.e. against the second notching element 22 c ′ at the radius r 2 of the first member 2 ′.
- the arm 12 ′ has a rectilinear or substantially rectilinear shape.
- a first notching element 18 a ′ of an arm 18 ′ connected to the arm 11 ′ by a second articulation 1 a ′, 3 a ′, for its part bears radially against a first portion 21 o ′.
- the arm 18 ′ has a convex shape as seen from the axis A 1 ′ of the spring 1 ′ or the axis A 2 ′ of the first member 2 ′.
- the crossing of the second notching element 22 a ′ by the first notching element 11 a ′ requires an increase in the rotational torque of the second member 3 ′ so as to achieve a rotational torque of the second member 3 ′ that is higher than the threshold torque for driving the second member 3 ′.
- the respective articulations 1 a ′, 3 a ′ and 1 b ′, 3 b ′ allow the arm 11 ′ to deform optimally while minimizing the stresses in it.
- This increase in torque brought about by the cooperation of the elements 11 a ′ and 22 a ′ characterizes the start of the notch. This increase can be more or less abrupt or linear depending on the geometry of the first notching elements and the second notching elements.
- FIG. 17 illustrates a part of the notching system in a second configuration, in which the first notching element 11 a ′ bears radially against the second notching element 22 a ′, slightly upstream of the top of the second notching element 22 a ′, after having partially crossed said second notching element following rotation of the second member 3 ′ in its direction of rotation.
- the arm 11 ′ has a rectilinear or substantially rectilinear shape.
- the first notching element 18 a ′ of the arm 18 ′ remains bearing radially against the first portion 21 o ′, and the arm 18 ′ therefore maintains a convex shape as seen from the axis A 1 ′ of the spring 1 ′ or the axis A 2 ′ of the first member 2 ′.
- the first notching element 12 a ′ of the arm 12 ′ remains bearing radially against the second notching element 22 c ′, and the arm 12 ′ therefore maintains a rectilinear or substantially rectilinear shape.
- the first notching element 12 a ′ has crossed the top of the second notching element 22 c ′ and the arm 12 ′ is thus ready to restore the elastic potential energy it has accumulated by virtue of its elastic deformation.
- the second member 3 ′ can thus be driven in rotation in its direction of rotation under the effect of a torque that is below the threshold torque.
- This decrease in the torque brought about by the cooperation of the elements 12 a ′ and 22 c ′ characterizes the end of the notch.
- This decrease can be more or less abrupt or linear depending on the geometry of the first and second notching elements.
- FIG. 18 illustrates a part of the notching system after the end of the notch.
- the first notching element 12 a ′ bears radially against the portion 21 c ′ of the first member, after having crossed the second notching element 22 c ′, while the first notching element 11 a ′ is situated at the top of the second notching element 22 a ′.
- the first notching element 18 a ′ is in angular abutment against a second notching element 22 n ′ of the first member 2 ′, while this same first notching element 18 a ′ bears radially against the first portion 21 o ′ of the first member 2 ′.
- This third configuration is equivalent to the first configuration in that crossing of the second notching element 22 n ′ by the first notching element 18 a ′ initiates the start of a second notch, following the above-described first notch. The end of this second notch would then be characterized by the passage of the first notching element 11 a ′ from the second notching element 22 a ′ to the portion 21 a′.
- a given notch is not exclusively defined by a given first notching element cooperating with a given second notching element or by first notching means cooperating simultaneously and in a synchronized manner with different second notching means.
- a notch may be defined by the conjunction:
- the first notching element 11 a ′ may bear radially against the second notching element 22 a ′ upstream of the top of the second notching element 22 a ′
- the first notching element 12 a ′ may bear radially against the second notching element 22 c ′ downstream of the top of the second notching element 22 c ′
- a third first notching element 18 a ′ may bear against a portion 21 o ′.
- the first notching elements of the spring therefore do not all work simultaneously and in a synchronized manner with the second notching elements in that the first notching elements of the spring are not all disposed in the same way with regard to a given second notching element of the first member, in a given configuration of the notching system.
- a third embodiment of a timepiece 200 * is described below with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20 .
- the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment only by the features that are described below.
- references of elements of the third embodiment are derived from those of elements of the first embodiment (having identical or substantially identical structures and/or identical or substantially identical functions) by the addition of an asterisk “*”.
- the notching system generates 24 notches or indexed positions for a complete turn of a second member 3 * relative to a first member 2 *.
- the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the first member 2 * is mounted on the outside of the second member 3 * to which a spring 1 * is articulated. Consequently, the second notching elements are oriented toward the inside. They form for example an internal toothset. Also consequently, in their unloaded states, the arms 11 * of the spring 1 * are concave as seen from the axis A 1 * or A 2 *. However, preferably, the arms 11 *, in their unloaded states, are convex as seen from the tops of the first notching elements.
- the elastic arms in a position in which the spring is not loaded, are in the form of circular arcs C 11 *, the centers A 11 * of which are situated preferably on one and the same first circle C 10 * centered on the axis A 1 * (i.e. coaxial with the spring) and having a non-zero radius, in particular having a radius greater than 0.2 times the radius of the circle C 1 * passing through the axes of the first connection elements of the spring 1 * (i.e. the radius of the spring), or greater than 0.3 times the radius of the circle C 1 * (i.e. the radius of the spring), or greater than 0.4 times the radius of the circle C 1 * (i.e. the radius of the spring).
- the radius is less than 0.9 times or 0.8 times the radius of the circle C 1 * passing through the axes of the first connection elements of the spring 1 * (i.e. the radius of the spring).
- the first notching element 11 a *, 12 a * does not move inside the circle C 1 *.
- a fourth embodiment of a timepiece 200 ′′ is described below with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22 .
- the fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment by the features that are described below:
- references of elements of the fourth embodiment are derived from those of elements of the first embodiment (having identical or substantially identical structures and/or identical or substantially identical functions) by the addition of the sign “′′”.
- a fifth embodiment of a timepiece 200 ′′′ is described below with reference to FIGS. 23 and 24 .
- the fifth embodiment differs from the second embodiment by the features that are described below:
- references of elements of the fifth embodiment are derived from those of elements of the second embodiment (having identical or substantially identical structures and/or identical or substantially identical functions) by replacing with the sign “′”.
- the arms have preferably a shape comprising two concave parts 118 ′′, 119 ′′ 118 ′′′, 119 ′′′ as seen from the top of the first notching tooth.
- the two concave parts join each other forming an area:
- the arms of the springs 1 , 1 ′, 1 *, 1 ′′, 1 ′′′ may be symmetric or substantially symmetric regarding a radial direction with reference to axis A 1 , A 1 ′, A 1 *, A 1 ′′, A 1 ′′′.
- the arms of the springs 1 , 1 ′, 1 *, 1 ′′, 1 ′′′ may be asymmetric regarding a radial direction with reference to axis A 1 , A 1 ′, A 1 *, A 1 ′′′, A 1 ′′′.
- the radii of curvature of the concave parts 118 ′′, 119 ′′ 118 ′′′, 119 ′′′ may notably be equal or not.
- the first notching teeth are preferably held by the arms of the spring only, the spring being connected to the first member or to the second member via pivot connections at the end of each arm.
- the first notching teeth are preferably mechanically connected to the first member or to the second member via the arms.
- the first notching teeth are preferably not directly mechanically connected to the first member or to the second member.
- the first notching teeth are not directly mechanically connected to the first member or to the second member via sliding connections, like sliding connection oriented radially or substantially radially to axis A 1 , A 1 ′, A 1 *, A 1 ′′, A 1 ′′′.
- the arms are mainly convex or have a convex middle part.
- the arms are extending integrally or mainly inside a circle that is tangent and extern to the spring at the pivot connections connecting the spring to the second member.
- the parts of the arms 11 ′′ 11 ′′′ connecting parts 118 ′′, 119 ′′ 118 ′′′, 119 ′′′ to the pivot connections 1 a ′′, 1 b ′′; 1 a ′′′, 1 b ′′′ have a curvature radius substantially equal to the radius of a circle crossing the axis of the pivot connections connecting the spring to the second member.
- the spring 1 , 1 ′, 1 *, 1 ′′, 1 ′′′ can be made of steel, such as Nivaflex. Alternatively, it can be made of nickel or of a nickel-phosphorus alloy. Alternatively, it can be made of silicon. Also alternatively, it can be made of a metallic glass. Of course, it may alternatively be made of any other material, in particular any other elastic material.
- the spring may be made, for example, using a mechanical process such as stamping or wire cutting.
- the spring may also be made by stereolithography, by a LIGA process, by a DRIE etching process, by an injection-molding process or by a laser cutting process.
- the notching system involves a spring 1 , 1 ′, 1 ′′, 1 ′′′ mechanically connected, in particular articulated to the second member 3 , 3 ′, 3 ′′, 3 ′′′ which is movable with respect to the first member 2 , 2 ′, 2 ′′, 2 ′′′ the first member being for example a ring 2 , 2 ′, 2 ′′, 2 ′′′ that is part of a case middle 4 , 4 ′, 4 ′′, 4 ′′′ or being fitted in a case middle 4 , 4 ′, 4 ′′, 4 ′′.
- the first member 2 * may correspond, for example, to a rotary bezel portion.
- the spring 1 * is mechanically connected, in particular articulated to the second member 3 *, the second member 3 * being for example a ring 3 * that is part of a case middle 4 * or being fitted in a case middle 4 *.
- the torque necessary to maneuver the first and second members with respect to one another is variable depending on the natures of the applications, in particular variable depending on the functions ensured by the first member and/or the second member.
- the torque is in particular higher than the torque necessary for rotating a rotary bezel or a rotary flange.
- the notching system may also be miniaturized so as to be applied to a crown that is orientable with respect to a case middle (i.e. angularly indexed with respect to a case middle).
- the notching system 100 , 100 ′, 100 *, 100 ′′, 100 ′′′ could also be utilized to be applied to a notching mobile of a timepiece movement.
- the second member 3 , 3 ′, 3 ′′, 3 ′′′ or the first member 2 * could be a mobile of an adjustment mechanism of a timepiece movement
- the first member 2 , 2 ′, 2 ′′, 2 ′′′ or the second member 3 * could more particularly be a mobile engaged with a display member, typically a display member fora time zone or a programmable display, or vice versa.
- the first and the second notching elements in particular the first notching teeth and the second notching teeth may be in multiple forms or geometries.
- a notch is not exclusively defined by a given first notching element cooperating with a given second notching element as is the case in the device of the document EP3608730, or by all of the first notching elements cooperating simultaneously and in a synchronized manner with second notching elements as is the case, for example, in the device of the document EP1431845.
- a notch or an indexed position is defined by the conjunction of at least:
- this conjunction also comprises a third cooperation between at least one other first notching element, different than the two first ones, with a recess or a portion, in particular a portion of a cylinder, of the first member.
- the notching system is designed so as to generate notches that are distributed uniformly over a complete turn of the first member relative to the second member or vice versa, meaning that the movement of the first member relative to the second member is the same between each notch.
- the notch is predefined and remains the same irrespective of the angular position of the first or the second member, meaning that the threshold torque allowing the notch to be crossed remains the same irrespective of the notch in question.
- the notching system could be designed such that notches could be associated with threshold torques of different intensities.
- the notching frequency could vary over a complete turn of the first member relative to the second member or vice versa, meaning that the movement of the first member relative to the second member can vary between two successive notches.
- a system could then comprise a first member comprising second notching elements having geometries that are not all identical and/or a spring comprising first notching elements having geometries that are not all identical.
- the angular extent all and/or the angular extent ⁇ 12 may vary.
- the angular extent ⁇ 21 and/or the angular extent ⁇ 22 may also vary.
- indexing is understood to define different stable angular positions of a first member relative to a second member or vice versa. These stable positions may be separated by a continuum of unstable or less stable intermediate positions. Between two stable positions or two indexed positions or two indexing positions, the first member passes temporarily through a continuum of unstable or less stable intermediate positions. The first or the second member can leave a stable position only if a torque higher than a threshold torque is exerted on the first or the second member, whereas the first or the second member can leave an unstable or less stable position when a torque lower than this threshold torque is exerted on the first or the second member.
- an “arm” is understood preferably to mean any elongate shape in which the greatest dimension of the shape along a greatest-dimension axis is at least more than 10 times or more than 15 times each of the dimensions perpendicular to this greatest-dimension axis.
- an “arm” is understood preferably to mean any elongate shape that is involved at least partially in defining the contour of a spring.
- a succession of arms define substantially the contour of the spring, in particular a closed loop.
- a “position in which an arm of the spring is not loaded” is understood preferably to mean that the first notching element of the arm does not cooperate with a second notching element or the first notching element of the arm is positioned in a recess between two adjacent second notching elements, in particular against a portion of a cylinder of the second member.
- a “notching system” is understood preferably to mean a system defining a finished set of notches or indexed positions disposed over the path of the movement of the first member relative to the second member (or vice versa).
- the notches may be characterized with respect to a threshold torque that it is necessary to overcome in order to move the first member relative to the second member (or vice versa).
- the start of a notch may be characterized by an increase in the torque with respect to this threshold torque.
- the end of a notch may be characterized by a decrease in the torque with respect to this threshold torque.
- the change in the torque to be overcome may be more or less abrupt relative to the movement of the first member with respect to the second member (or vice versa).
- the torque required to drive the first member relative to the second member may change in various ways as far as the next notch or as far as the next indexed position.
- the torque may decrease down to negative values in order then to be canceled out and define the next notch or the next indexed position.
- the number of notches is a multiple of 2.
- notch is understood to mean a movement between a first indexed position and a following indexed position.
- the notching systems described above employ a return spring having the specific feature of being provided with elastic arms and with first connection means of said spring, the latter being arranged and designed so as to maximize the deformation of the elastic arms while minimizing the stresses in them. More particularly, these first connection means are disposed at each of the longitudinal ends of the elastic arms and make it possible to connect all of said elastic arms while allowing them to be movable relative to one another. Furthermore, each of these elastic arms has the specific feature of comprising a first notching element provided between two first connection means, this first notching element being provided to cooperate with second notching means of a notching ring in order to bring about the elastic deformation of said arm.
- such a notching system could advantageously be utilized in the definition of a timepiece exterior device, in particular a notched rotary bezel, or in the definition of a notching mobile of a timepiece movement.
- the above-described notching systems make it possible to overcome the drawbacks known from the prior art.
- the above-described notching systems comprise first and second notching means, the size or the format of which is maximized with respect to the number of notches generated by said device, these first and second notching means being able to be loaded at a lower frequency than the frequency of the notches generated by the notching system.
- the above-described notching systems have the advantage of generating balanced forces with respect to a given axis of rotation, this contributing to the pleasant sensation felt when manipulating a timepiece device comprising such a notching system.
- notching systems have the advantage of being particularly compact.
- Such designs are thus particularly advantageous for the definition, for example, of a rotary bezel arranged within a case provided with a case middle comprising an annular seat, the section of which is minimized, and/or for the definition, for example, of a set rotary bezel.
- notching systems are also particularly well suited to being integrated into a timepiece movement.
- These systems may be, for example, devices for adjusting a device for displaying time information such as a time zone, which make it possible to move a display member through an angular pitch predefined by way of such a notching system.
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Abstract
Description
-
- 1. A spring (1; 1′; 1*) for a notching system (100; 100′; 100*), the spring comprising:
- at least two elastic arms (11, 12; 11′, 12′; 11*, 12*), and
- a first toothset comprising first notching teeth (11 a, 12 a; 11 a′, 12 a′; 11 a*, 12 a*) disposed on each of the arms,
- the spring being designed such that, in a position in which one of the arms of the spring is not loaded, said arm is convex as seen from the top of the first notching tooth of said arm.
- 2. The spring (1; 1′; 1*) as proposed in the preceding proposition, wherein the spring comprises at least one first pivot connection element (1 b, 1 b′, 1 b*) between said two elastic arms (11, 12; 11′, 12′; 11*, 12*).
- 3. The spring (1; 1′; 1*) as proposed in either of the preceding propositions, wherein the spring is in the form of a closed loop.
- 4. The spring (1; 1′; 1*) as proposed in one of the preceding propositions, wherein each elastic arm, when it is not loaded, is in the form of a circular arc, the center of which is situated preferably on a first circle (C10, C10′, C10*) coaxial with the spring and having a non-zero radius, in particular having a radius greater than 0.2 times the radius of the spring, or greater than 0.3 times the radius of the spring, or greater than 0.4 times the radius of the spring.
- 5. The spring (1; 1′) as proposed in the preceding proposition, wherein the first circle (C10; C10′) has a radius greater than 1.5 times the radius of the spring, or greater than 1.8 times the radius of the spring, or greater than 2 times the radius of the spring.
- 6. The spring (1; 1*) as proposed in one of the preceding propositions, wherein the at least two elastic arms (11, 12; 11′, 12′; 11*, 12*) form a clamp intended to act on a first member (2; 2′; 2*) having a second toothset comprising second notching teeth (22 a, 22 b; 22 a′, 22 b′; 22 a*, 22 b*).
- 7. The spring (1; 1*) as proposed in one of the preceding propositions, wherein the spring is designed such that the radius of curvature of any one of the arms of the spring increases, or is reversed, when said arm is loaded by the action of second notching teeth (22 a, 22 b; 22 a′, 22 b′; 22 a*, 22 b*) of a first member (2; 2′; 2*).
- 8. The spring (1′) as proposed in one of the preceding propositions, wherein each of the first notching teeth (11 a′, 12 a′) comprises a first stop element (111 a′, 121 a′).
- 9. The spring (1; 1*) as proposed in one of the preceding propositions, wherein each of the first notching teeth (11, 12; 11′, 12′; 11*, 12*) is disposed at the midway point of each elastic arm, and/or wherein each elastic arm (11′, 12′) comprises a first abutment force reacting element (11 b′, 12 b′), the first abutment force reacting element being disposed for example at the midway point of each elastic arm.
- 10. The spring (1; 1′; 1*) as proposed in one of the preceding propositions, wherein the spring comprises n elastic arms and/or n first pivot connection elements, where n≥2, and/or wherein the spring exhibits n-fold symmetry of revolution.
- 11. The spring (1; 1′; 1*) as proposed in one of the preceding propositions, wherein the spring has substantially a polygonal shape, in particular a regular polygon shape, and/or wherein segments linking the axes of first pivot connection elements (1 b, 1 b′, 1 b*) constitute a polygonal shape, in particular a regular polygon shape.
- 12. A notching system (100; 100′; 100*) comprising a spring (1; 1′; 1*) as proposed in one of the preceding propositions and a first member (2; 2′; 2*) having a second toothset, the spring and the first member being arranged so as to act on one another.
- 13. The notching system (100; 100′; 100*) as proposed in the preceding proposition, which comprises a second member (3; 3′; 3*) mounted so as to be movable, in particular mounted so as to be rotatable, with respect to the first member (2; 2′; 2*) or vice versa, the second member comprising at least one second pivot connection element (3 a, 3 b; 3 a′, 3 b′; 3 a*, 3 b*) cooperating with at least one first pivot connection element (1 a, 1 b, 1 a′, 1 b′, 1 a*, 1 b*) in order to create at least one pivot connection between the spring (1; 1′; 1*) and the second member (3; 3′; 3*).
- 14. The notching system (100; 100′; 100*) as proposed in either of
propositions - n=8 and m=6, or
- n=6 and m=5, or
- n=10 and m=12, or
- n=12 and m=15, or
- n=12 and m=20, or
- n=8 and m=15.
- 15. A timepiece device (110; 110′; 110*), in particular:
- a rotary bezel (110; 110′; 110*), or
- a rotary flange, or
- an orientable back, or
- an orientable crown, or
- a display device, typically a display device for a time zone or a display device for a programmable display,
- the device comprising a spring as proposed in one of
propositions 1 to 11 and/or a notching system as proposed in one ofpropositions 12 to 14. - 16. A timepiece case (10; 10′; 10*) comprising a spring as proposed in one of
propositions 1 to 11 and/or a notching system as proposed in one ofpropositions 12 to 14 and/or a timepiece device as proposed inproposition 15. - 17. A timepiece (200; 200′; 200*) comprising a spring as proposed in one of
propositions 1 to 11 and/or a notching system as proposed in one ofpropositions 12 to 14 and/or a timepiece device as proposed inproposition 15 and/or a case as proposed inproposition 16.
- 1. A spring (1; 1′; 1*) for a notching system (100; 100′; 100*), the spring comprising:
-
- 18. A notching
system 100; 100′; 100* comprising:- a
spring 1; 1′; 1* including a first toothset comprising nfirst teeth - a
first member 2; 2′; 2* including a second toothset comprising msecond teeth - a
second member 3; 3′; 3* mounted so as to be movable, in particular mounted so as to be rotatable, with respect to thefirst member 2; 2′; 2*
- a
- the first and second toothsets being arranged such that, through their interactions, they define p notches or indexed positions,
- the
spring 1; 1′; 1* comprising:- at least two
elastic arms - at least one first
pivot connection element elastic arms
- at least two
- the second member comprising at least one second
pivot connection element 3 b; 3 b′; 3 b* cooperating with the at least one firstpivot connection element 1 b; 1 b′; 1 b* in order to create at least one pivot connection between thespring 1; 1′; 1* and thesecond member 3; 3′; 3*. - 19. The notching
system 100; 100′; 100* as proposed inproposition 18, wherein p=m×n/k, where k is a natural integer, for example k=1 or k=2 or k=3 or k=4, in particular:- p=24 and n=8 and m=6, or
- p=30 and n=6 and m=5, or
- p=60 and n=10 and m=12, or
- p=60 and n=12 and m=15, or
- p=60 and n=12 and m=20, or
- p=120 and n=8 and m=15.
- 20. The notching
system 100; 100′; 100* as proposed in either ofpropositions - 21. The notching
system 100; 100′; 100* as proposed in one ofpropositions 18 to 20, wherein the spring is designed such that, when one of the arms of the spring is not loaded, said arm is convex as seen from the top of the first tooth of said arm. - 22. The notching
system 100; 100′; 100* as proposed in one ofpropositions 18 to 21, wherein the spring is in the form of a closed loop, and/or wherein the system comprises n elastic arms and/or n pivot connections, where n≥2. - 23. The notching
system 100; 100′; 100* as proposed in one ofpropositions 18 to 22, wherein the spring has substantially a polygonal shape, in particular a regular polygon shape, and/or wherein segments linking the axes of the firstpivot connection elements - 24. The notching
system 100; 100′; 100* as proposed in one ofpropositions 18 to 23, wherein the elastic arms, when they are not loaded, are in the form of circular arcs, the centers of which are situated preferably on one and the same first circle C10, C10′; C10* coaxial with the spring and having a non-zero radius, in particular having a radius greater than 0.2 times the radius of the spring, or greater than 0.3 times the radius of the spring, or greater than 0.4 times the radius of the spring. - 25. The notching
system 100; 100′ as proposed in proposition 24, wherein the first circle (C10; C10′) has a radius greater than 1.5 times the radius of the spring, or greater than 1.8 times the radius of the spring, or greater than 2 times the radius of the spring. - 26. The notching
system 100′ as proposed in one ofpropositions 18 to 25, wherein each of thefirst teeth 11 a′, 12 a′ comprises afirst stop element 111 a′, 121 a′. - 27. The notching
system 100′ as proposed in one ofpropositions 18 to 26, wherein each of theelastic arms 11′, 12′ comprises a first abutmentforce reacting element 11 b′, 12 b′, the first abutment force reacting element being disposed for example at the midway point of each elastic arm. - 28. The notching
system 100; 100′; 100* as proposed in one ofpropositions 18 to 27, wherein the first member is a ring, and/or wherein thesecond teeth portion - 29. The notching
system 100; 100′; 100* as proposed in one ofpropositions 18 to 28, wherein the first and second toothsets are arranged such that, at a given time, in particular at any time, a first tooth exerts a first mechanical action on a second tooth in a first area of contact and a first tooth different than the previous one exerts a second mechanical action on a second tooth different than the previous one in a second area of contact, the first and second mechanical actions having different intensities and/or different directions. - 30. The notching
system 100; 100′; 100* as proposed in proposition 29, wherein, at a given time, in particular at any time, another first tooth exerts a third mechanical action on a portion or a recess of the second member. - 31. The notching
system 100; 100′; 100* as proposed in either of propositions 29 and 30, wherein the first and second toothsets are arranged such that an indexed position of the first member relative to the second member is defined by the first mechanical action and by the second mechanical action, the first and second mechanical actions bringing about opposing torques for driving the first member relative to the second member. - 32. A
timepiece device 110; 110′; 110*, in particular:- a
rotary bezel 110; 110′; 110*, or - a rotary flange, or
- an orientable back, or
- an orientable crown, or
- a display device, typically a display device for a time zone or a display device for a programmable display,
- a
- the device comprising a notching system as proposed in one of
propositions 18 to 31. - 33. A
timepiece case 10; 10′; 10* comprising a notching system as proposed in one ofpropositions 18 to 31 and/or a timepiece device as proposed in proposition 32. - 34. A
timepiece 200; 200′; 200* comprising a notching system as proposed in one ofpropositions 18 to 31 and/or a device as proposed in proposition 32 and/or a case as proposed in proposition 33.
- 18. A notching
-
- 35. A
spring 1; 1′; 1*fora notching system 100; 100′, comprising:- at least two
elastic arms - a first toothset comprising first notching
teeth arms - at least one first
pivot connection element elastic arms
- at least two
- 36. The
spring 1; 1′; 1* as proposed in proposition 35, wherein the at least twoelastic arms first member 2; 2′; 2* having a second toothset comprising second notchingteeth - 37. The
spring 1; 1′; 1* as proposed in either ofpropositions 35 and 36, wherein the spring is designed such that, in a position in which one of the arms of the spring is not loaded, said arm is convex as seen from the top of the first notching tooth of said arm. - 38. The
spring 1; 1′; 1* as proposed in one of propositions 35 to 37, wherein the spring is designed such that the radius of curvature of any one of the arms of the spring increases, or is reversed, when said arm is loaded by the action of second notchingteeth first member 2; 2′; 2*. - 39. The
spring 1′ as proposed in one of propositions 35 to 38, wherein each of thefirst teeth 11 a′, 12 a′ comprises afirst stop element 111 a′, 121 a′. - 40. The
spring 1′ as proposed in one of propositions 35 to 39, wherein each of theelastic arms 11′, 12′ comprises a first abutmentforce reacting element 11 b′, 12 b′, the first abutment force reacting element being disposed for example at the midway point of each of the elastic arms. - 41. The
spring 1; 1′; 1* as proposed in one of propositions 35 to 40, wherein the spring comprises n elastic arms, where n≥2, and/or exhibits n-fold symmetry of revolution. - 42. The
spring 1; 1′; 1* as proposed in one of propositions 35 to 41, wherein the spring exhibits a geometry in the form of a closed loop. - 43. The
spring 1; 1′; 1* as proposed in one of propositions 35 to 42, wherein the spring has substantially a polygonal shape, in particular a regular polygon shape, and/or wherein segments linking the axes of firstpivot connection elements - 44. A notching
system 100; 100′; 100* comprising aspring 1; 1′; 1* as proposed in one of propositions 35 to 43 and afirst member 2; 2′; 2* having a second toothset, the spring and the first member being arranged so as to act on one another. - 45. The notching
system 100; 100′; 100* as proposed in proposition 44, which comprises asecond member 3; 3′; 3* mounted so as to be movable, in particular mounted so as to be rotatable, with respect to thefirst member 2; 2′; 2*, the second member comprising at least one secondpivot connection element spring 1; 1* and thesecond member 3; 3′; 3*. - 46. The notching
system 100; 100′; 100* as proposed in either of propositions 44 and 45, wherein the first toothset comprises nfirst teeth first member 2; 2′; 2* comprises a second toothset comprising msecond teeth - n=8 and m=6, or
- n=6 and m=5, or
- n=10 and m=12, or
- n=12 and m=15, or
- n=12 and m=20, or
- n=8 and m=15.
- 47. A
timepiece device 110; 110′; 110*, in particular:- a rotary bezel, or
- a rotary flange, or
- an orientable back, or
- an orientable crown, or
- a display device, typically a display device for a time zone or a display device for a programmable display,
- the device comprising a spring as proposed in one of propositions 35 to 43 and/or a notching system as proposed in one of propositions 44 to 46.
- 48. A
timepiece case 10; 10′; 10* comprising a spring as proposed in one of propositions 35 to 43 and/or a notching system as proposed in one of propositions 44 to 46 and/or a timepiece device as proposed in proposition 47. - 49. A
timepiece 200; 200′; 200* comprising a spring as proposed in one of propositions 35 to 43 and/or a notching system as proposed in one of propositions 44 to 46 and/or a timepiece device as proposed in proposition 47 and/or a case as proposed in proposition 48.
- 35. A
-
- 50. A
spring 1″; 1′″ for a notchingsystem 100″; 100′″, the spring comprising:- at least two
elastic arms 11″, 12″ 11′″, 12′″, and - a first toothset comprising first notching
teeth 11 a″, 12 a″; 11 a′″, 12 a′″ disposed on each of the arms,- the arms having a shape comprising two
concave parts 118″, 119″ 118′″, 119′″ as seen from the tops of the first notching teeth.
- the arms having a shape comprising two
- at least two
- 51. The spring as proposed in proposition 50, wherein the two concave parts join and form an area:
- where the concave parts have tangents forming an angle β″, β′″, for example an angle β″, β′″ comprised between 60° and 120° or an angle equal to 90° or equal to about 90°, and
- constituting the first tooth.
- 52. The spring as proposed in proposition 50 or 51, wherein the concave parts:
- have a curvature radius comprised between 0.05 time or 0.1 time the radius of the circle C1″, C1′″ and 0.3 time the radius of the circle C1″, C1′″, and/or
- the concave parts are tangent or substantially tangent to the circle C1″, C1″ at the ends of the arms.
- 50. A
-
- a
first member 2, - a
second member 3, and - a
spring 1.
- a
-
- p=24 and n=8 and m=6, or
- p=30 and n=6 and m=5, or
- p=60 and n=10 and m=12, or
- p=60 and n=12 and m=15, or
- p=60 and n=12 and m=20, or
- p=120 and n=8 and m=15.
-
- at least two
elastic arms - a first notching toothset comprising first notching elements, in particular first notching
teeth arms
- at least two
-
- of a first cooperation between a given first notching element and a given second notching element, and
- of a second cooperation between another given first notching element and another given second notching element, and possibly
- of a third cooperation between at least one other first notching element, different than the first two, with a given first portion of a first member.
-
- different intensities (mainly determined by the degrees of deformation of the arms), and/or
- different directions (directions determined by angles relative to the radial directions along the axes A1 and A2 at the points of contact of the spring with the first member 2).
-
- each first notching
element 11 a′, 12 a′, 13 a′, 14 a′, 15 a′, 16 a′, 17 a′, 18 a′ may comprise afirst stop element 111 a′, 121 a′, 131 a′, 141 a′, 151 a′, 161 a′, 171 a′, 181 a′ such as a first flank, a normal direction of which is orthoradial or substantially orthoradial relative to the axis A1, and - each second notching
element 22 a′ to 22 o′ may comprise a second stop element, such as a second flank, a normal direction of which is substantially orthoradial relative to the axis A1.
- each first notching
-
- of a first cooperation between a given first notching element and a given second notching element, and
- of a second cooperation between another given first notching element and another given second notching element, and possibly
- of a third cooperation between at least one other first notching element, different than the first two, with a given first portion of a first member.
-
- the
pivot connections 1 b″, 3 b″ connecting mechanically the spring to thesecond member 3″ are carried out as in the second embodiment, and/or - the shape of the
arms 11″, and/or - the shape of the first notching
teeth 11 a″.
- the
-
- the
pivot connections 1 b′″, 3 b′″ connecting mechanically the spring to thesecond member 3′″ are carried out as in the first embodiment, and/or - the shape of the
arms 11′″.
- the
-
- where the concave parts have tangents forming an angle β″, β′″, for example an angle β″, β′″ comprised between 60° and 120° or an angle equal to 90° or equal to about 90°, and
- constituting the first tooth.
-
- have a curvature radius comprised between 0.05 time or 0.1 time the radius of the circle C1″, C1′″ and 0.3 time the radius of the circle C1″, C1′″, and/or
- the concave parts are tangent or substantially tangent to the circle C1″, C1″ at the ends of the arms.
-
- a first notching tooth, and
- the first or the second member
is a local bearing (point like or line like) on a second notching tooth in configuration where the first and second teeth are cooperating for carrying out the notching.
-
- a first cooperation between a given first notching element and a given second notching element, and
- a second cooperation between another given first notching element and another given second notching element.
Claims (26)
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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EP20216567.6 | 2020-12-22 | ||
EP20216567 | 2020-12-22 | ||
EP20216567 | 2020-12-22 |
Publications (2)
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US20220197216A1 US20220197216A1 (en) | 2022-06-23 |
US11977355B2 true US11977355B2 (en) | 2024-05-07 |
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ID=73856852
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US17/558,563 Active 2042-05-15 US11977355B2 (en) | 2020-12-22 | 2021-12-21 | Spring for a notching system and timepiece notching system |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US11977355B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP4020097A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2022099297A (en) |
CN (1) | CN114660920A (en) |
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- 2021-12-21 EP EP21216226.7A patent/EP4020097A1/en active Pending
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CN114660920A (en) | 2022-06-24 |
EP4020097A1 (en) | 2022-06-29 |
US20220197216A1 (en) | 2022-06-23 |
JP2022099297A (en) | 2022-07-04 |
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